Healing Thresholds Autism Therapy Topic Feed

Speech and Language Therapy for Children with Autism

PWSMom — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:44:15 +0000

Body:

What is it?

The goal of speech therapy is to improve all aspects of communication. This includes: comprehension, expression, sound production, and social use of language ⁽¹⁾. Speech therapy may include sign language and the use of picture symbols ⁽²⁾. At its best, a specific speech therapy program is tailored to the specific weaknesses and the environment of the individual child ^{(1, 3)}. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to create a child-specific, evolving, long-term speech therapy plan ^{(1 , 4)}.

The National Research Council describes four aspects of beneficial speech therapy.

Speech therapy should begin early in a child's life and be frequent.
Therapy should be rooted in practical experience in the child's life.
Therapy should encourage spontaneous communication.
Any communication skills learned during speech therapy should be generalizable to multiple situations ⁽⁵⁾.

Thus, any speech therapy program should include practice in many different places with many different people ⁽²⁾. In order for speech therapy to be most successful, caregivers should practice speech exercises during normal daily routines in the home, school, and community ^{(1 , 6, 7)}. Speech therapists can give specific examples of how best to incorporate speech therapy throughout a child's day ⁽⁸⁾.

What's it like?

Speech therapy sessions will vary greatly depending upon the child. If the child is younger than three years old, then the speech therapist will most likely come into the home for a one-hour session. If the child is older than three, then therapy sessions will occur at school or in the therapist’s office. If the child is school age, expect that speech therapy will include one-on-one time with the child, classroom-based activities, and consultations between the speech therapist and teachers and parents ⁽²⁾.

The sessions should be designed to engage the child in communication. The therapist will engage the child using games and toys chosen specifically for the child. Several different speech therapy techniques and approaches can be used in a single session or throughout many sessions (see Does it work?).

Speech and language therapy may include tools and strategies called augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). These tools can be very helpful for children with little or no verbal communication skills. For example, a picture exchange communication system (or PECS; http://www.pecs.org.uk/) allows the child to communicate using pictures. Go to our PECS Fact Sheet for more information.

What is the theory behind it?

Children with autism not only may have trouble communicating socially, but may also have problems behaving. These behavioral problems are believed to be at least partially caused by the frustration associated with the inability to communicate. Speech therapy is intended to improve social communication skills, and teach the ability to use those communication skills as an alternative to unacceptable behavior ⁽¹⁾.

Does it work?

Many scientific studies demonstrate that speech therapy is able to improve the communication skills of children with autism ⁽¹⁾. Parents reported improvements in social play, confidence, and behavior at home and at school with speech therapy ⁽⁹⁾. The most successful approaches to speech therapy include components of early identification, family involvement, and individualized treatment ⁽⁸⁾.

There are many different approaches to speech therapy and most of them are effective. The table below lists some of the different approaches. In most cases a speech therapist will use a combination of approaches in a program.

Type of Speech Therapy	Definition	Does the Research Support It?
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)	broad term for forms of communication that supplement or enhance speech, including electronic devices, picture boards, and sign language	Yes ⁽¹⁰⁾
Discrete trial training	therapy that focuses on behavior and actions	Yes ⁽¹⁾
Facilitated communication	communication technique that involves a facilitator who places his hand over the patient's hand, arm or wrist, which is placed on a board or keyboard with letters, words or pictures	No ^{(1, 4)}
Functional communication training (FCT)	use of positive reinforcement to motivate the child to communicate	Yes ⁽¹¹⁾
Generalized imitation	child is encouraged to mimic the therapists mouth motions before attempting to make the sound	Yes ⁽¹²⁾
Mand training	use of prompts and reinforcements of independent requests for items (referred to as mands)	Yes ⁽¹²⁾
Motivational techniques	therapy techniques that focus on following the child's lead and capitalize on the child's desire to respond	Yes ⁽⁶⁾
Peer mentors/circle of friends	use of children who are trained to interact with the autistic child throughout the day	Yes ⁽⁸⁾
Picture exchange communication system (PECS)	a type of AAC that uses picture symbols to communicate (see PECS Fact Sheet)	Yes ⁽¹⁰⁾
Relationship development intervention (RDI)	trademarked treatment program that centers on the belief that individuals with autism can participate in authentic emotional relationships if they are exposed to them in a gradual, systematic way	Yes ⁽⁸⁾
Sign language/total communication	language of hand shapes, movements, and facial expressions (especially useful for ages 0 to 3)	Yes ⁽¹⁾
Story scripts/social stories	actual stories that can be used or adapted to teach social skills	Yes ^{(1, 8)}

Is it harmful?

There are no reports of speech therapy being harmful.

Cost

The cost of speech therapy is covered by the government through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004. The amount of speech therapy provided in this setting may be suboptimal and thus should be supplemented with private therapy. Private speech therapy can be expensive (approximately $100/hour or more)

Speech therapy requires parental investment of time. In order to be most effective, parents may need to be fully integrated into the therapy program and should seek out opportunities to practice communication throughout the daily routine ⁽⁷⁾. With time, this should become a new way of life.

Resources

Healing Thresholds has partnered with Natural Learning Concepts. They have many tools to help children build their vocabulary.

Healing Thresholds has also partnered with Discount School Supply. Discount School Supply sells toys such as the “How Do You Feel?” Play and Learn Chart that can be used with older children to help them learn to describe feelings.

Signing Time is one of many companies selling systems that help to teach children sign language.

Autism is a condition covered under the IDEA of 2004. Services covered by IDEA include early identification and assessment by an occupational therapist. This law protects the rights of patients with autism and provides guidelines to assist in their education. It covers children from birth to age 21 (U.S. Department of Education).

Pediatricians can provide contact information for the state early intervention program (for children 0 to 3 years old). There is a listing on this Web site for state early intervention centers. School districts can coordinate special services for children 3 to 21 years old.

Several articles and books that might be useful:

Principles for speech-language pathologists in diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders across the life span: Technical report by American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2006). Available from http://www.asha.org/docs/html/TR2006-00143.html. 2006.

Social and Communication Development in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Early Identification, Diagnosis, and Intervention by T. Charman and W. Stone. 2006. The Guilford Press, pp. 115-266.

Enhancing Early Language in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders by R. Paul and D. Sutherland. In Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Two Volume Set. 2005. John Wiley & Sons, pp. 977-1002.

Improving Speech and Eating Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders – An Oral Motor Program for Home and School by M.A. Flanagan. 2008. Autism Asperger Publishing Company.

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References

One-on-One Therapy is Focus at Supporting Autism and Families Everywhere (SAFE)

scottie — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Teaser:

George Shadie, founder of Supporting Autism and Families Everywhere (FAME) sees hope for children, teens, and adults with autism.

Body:

George Shadie, founder of Supporting Autism and Families Everywhere (SAFE) sees hope for children, teens, and adults with autism. This Pennsylvania father of a son with autism has seen his child and others blossom under one-on-one therapy, especially at places like New Hope Farm. When he started SAFE 15 years ago, Shadie was assisted by psychology students from Wilkes University. They found, and Shadie has since confirmed, that a person with autism seems to work better when “all the teachers, speech therapists and occupational therapists who work with that person use the same cues and teach a task the same way.”

Read original article: Local Group Provides Help, Hope for Families

New York Pediatrician Develops Speech and Language Therapy Exercises

scottie — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:28:48 +0000

Teaser:

Dr. Jennifer Canter, a pediatrician in New York, was at speech therapy with one of her two sets of twins. The therapy became frustrating for the child.

Body:

Dr. Jennifer Canter, a pediatrician in New York, was at speech therapy with one of her two sets of twins. Her child was having difficulty with the therapy exercise and became frustrated because of the flimsiness of the exercise presentation. Canter developed a therapy mat that is sturdy and allows the therapist to sit directly across from the child. The U-Play Mat uses a U shape that allows the child to sit inside and be surrounded by sets of speech and language exercise cards that fit into pockets on the mat. The speech exercises are available in Spanish and there is a special version for children with autism. See Dr. Cantor and the U-Play Mat in action.

Read original article: N.Y. Pediatrician Takes Child's Play to the Mat

In India, a Holistic Approach to Teaching Children with Autism

scottie — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Teaser:

Three Indian woman, who are qualified in special education, decided to open a school for autism and other developmental disabilities that would treat the whole child.

Body:

Three Indian woman, who are qualified in special education, decided to open a school for autism and other developmental disabilities that would treat the whole child. They started a holistic program in the Anna Nagar region of India that they called Sankalp. While the syllabus comes from traditional education, Sankalp has adopted a multi-sensory teaching approach. The school is divided: The Open School is for children with a learning disability or dyslexia; The Learning Centre is for children with autism spectrum disorders. The autism portion of the school begins with early intervention and adds speech therapy and occupational therapy to regular academics. The focus of both schools is a holistic approach to teaching and treating the child.

Read original article: Catering to the Special Needs of Children

Social Thinking

megan — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:31:46 +0000

icommunicate therapy

icommunicate is dedicated to enhancing Speech, Language and Communication for all individuals by providing information and resources for speech therapy / pathology, and all communication difficulties and disorders. icommunicate has a large section relating to autism and provides many free downloads with information, ideas and strategies to facilitate communication and learning.

Mother in the Philippines Creates Therapeutic Learning Center for Children with Autism

scottie — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Teaser:

The RLS Therapeutic Learning Center in the Philippines was founded by the mother of a child with autism.

Body:

The RLS Therapeutic Learning Center in the Philippines was founded by the mother of a child with autism. Rhea Lascano-Sunico decided that after the diagnosis of her son, she wanted to help him and other children like him. Currently the center has 30 children who receive occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and special education courses. She is hoping to develop the children’s social skills with play therapy.

Read origianl article: At Center, Good Things Happen to Special Kids

Medical Autism Clinic in Alabama Gives Parents a Guide for Dealing with Autism

scottie — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Teaser:

The Medical Autism Clinic (MAC) affiliated with the University of Alabma, Birmingham, was created to be a "roadmap" for parents as they deal with the diagnosis of autism.

Body:

The Medical Autism Clinic (MAC) affiliated with the University of Alabama, Birmingham, was created to be a "roadmap" for parents as they deal with the diagnosis of autism. MAC uses the talents and skills of specialists in "genetics, nutrition, occupational therapy, speech therapy, rehabilitation, sleep disorders and audiology in one location to expedite the evaluation of some of the medical problems seen in children with ASDs." While all these areas are supported, Myriam Peralta-Carcelen, M.D., the director of MAC says the focus is on "feeding, sensory, motor, sleep, gastrointestinal and nutritional problems." MAC attempts to address these issues in a thorough and interdependent way. Parents and their children are referred to MAC by their pediatricians; first they complete a questionnaire, and then the children are evaluated by Peralta-Carcelen and her staff. Having all services under one roof allows the parents to leave the appointment at MAC with a course of action and a list of resources.

Read original aritcle: New Medical Autism Clinic Gives Parents Roadmap for Care

Free Sound Therapy Home Programme

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:11:24 +0000

Dr. Alfred Tomatis, a French otolaryngologist, is recognised as the modern day originator of sound or music therapy. In the early 1950's he developed an effective therapy method using altered music to treat conditions such as auditory processing disorder, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder and autism. Another French doctor, Dr. Guy Bérard, developed a similar method, Auditory Integration Training (AIT), which has found many followers in the USA. From personal experience I know that many clients report improvements in understanding, speech, balance, behaviour and emotional well-being after just two or three weeks of daily sound therapy.

Sensory Activation Solutions (SAS) is an organisation with Centres in the U.K. and Turkey that provides a unique service for children and adults that face learning or developmental difficulties. When the established educational, psychological or medical services fail to provide adequate support, the SAS methodology often can provide practical solutions that result in noticeable improvements in daily life.

You may be interested to check out their Free Sound Therapy Home Programme. Their Auditory Activation Method builds on the pioneering work of Dr. Tomatis and Dr. Bérard and has been specifically developed with the aim to improve sensory processing, interhemispheric integration and cognitive functioning. It has helped many children and adults with a wide range of difficulties, ranging from dyslexia and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder to sensory processing disorders and autism. It is not a cure or medical intervention, but a structured training programme that can help alleviate some of the debilitating effects that these conditions can have on speech and physical ability, daily behaviour, emotional well-being and educational or work performance.

There is no catch, it's absolutely free and most importantly often effective. Check it out at: http://www.sascentre.com/uk/uk_free.html.

Applied Behavior Analysis

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 23:46:42 +0000

Although I don't know enough about the Sonrise system, I do know that ABA, if done correctly is the most intensive system around and gets the job done in the shortest amount of time. We used ABA on our own son starting at age 2yrs 4mths and got him into a mainstream school at six yrs. ABA taught him speech, reading, writing and age-appropriate behavior.
VInce D'Souza

Corticosteroid Treatment of Behaviour, Language and Motor Regression in Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

scottie — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:28:00 +0000

Title	Corticosteroid Treatment of Behaviour, Language and Motor Regression in Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Publication Type	Journal Article
Authors	Mordekar, SR, Prendergast M, Chattopadhyay AK, Baxter PS
Journal Title	Official Journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society
Year of Publication	2009
Volume	13
Issue	4
Pages	367-369
URL for Abstract	http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleListURL&_method=list&_ArticleListID=1135245520&_sort=r&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=16de38db75261040177d16eb58f22894
Teaser	An immune system suppressant (corticosteroid) may help some children on the autism spectrum.
Full Text	An immune system suppressant (corticosteroid) may help some children on the autism spectrum. Two 4-year-old children had a rapid onset of childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD). They had a change in personality, loss of speech, and withdrew from people. They also had seizures. The authors treated them with the corticosteroid prednisolone, and their symptoms gradually disappeared over the next 4 years. Prednisolone acts to reduce inflammation and calm down the immune system, and may have other effects. The doctors found no sign of inflammation in their nervous system. The doctors do not know why the medication worked for these children.